WHAT better way to start 1999 than by lowering yourself into a pool of icy water and feeling your body slowly turning numb.

The brave (or foolish) are being encouraged to take part in Ilkley's annual New Year's Day madness at White Wells cottage.

White Wells tenants Derek and Christine Arnold would like as many 'volunteers' as possible to tackle the ultimate challenge - the White Wells pool.

More than 80 brave souls plunged into the pool, filled with water fresh from Ilkley Moor, on New Year's Day this year, but Mr Arnold is hoping for considerably more than that to kick off 1999.

He said: "This time we are looking to break the record for the number of people in the pool at any one time. I think the most we have had so far is about 12."

Mr Arnold joked: "Everyone who takes part is certified, that is they receive a certificate."

The challenge of spending time in water which rarely rises above six degrees centigrade is

seemingly lapped up by some people. "We already have about 15 people booked in for the event," said Mr Arnold.

"It really is very invigorating. I find it is best if you go into the water, come out for a while and then go in again, experiencing your body just going numb," he said.

While some may be tempted to just rush in and straight out again, others are more determined. Ilkley's Mark Hunnebell coolly laid back in this very chilly bath for 31 minutes last year - and lived to tell the tale.

Mr and Mrs Arnold are celebrating their second year at the cottage and remain delighted with life on top of the moor.

"Although the weather hasn't been as good this year, we have welcomed a lot of visitors and enjoyed a number of great events, such as Yorkshire Day and Carols on the Cobbles."

"We had a couple of hundred people up for the carols and the support we receive makes it all worthwhile," he said.

Events planned for 1999 include a fell race and a wellie wanging contest.

"No green yuppie wellies be allowed as they will get lost in the bracken," he joked.

Although entry to the New Year's Day White Wells Plunge is free, visitors are welcome to make a donation. Proceeds will go towards the Cancer ward at Airedale Hospital.

The event starts at 10.30am on New Year's Day and ends at 5pm.

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